The proposed design is inspired by the “firifiroo” (butterfly in Mandinke language) to celebrate women’s metamorphoses and transformations. Our architecture weaves together the essentials of earth, flora and fauna, rain, the prevailing winds. Similar to butterflies emerging from woven cocoons, the “Maternity Centre” harks the promise and vision of empowered women in the process of giving birth.
Maternity Centre: Kaira Looro
Kaira Looro: Architecture for Peace. Achitecture Competition.
Ziguinchor is located in the far south of Senegal. Approximately 300,000 people live in the city, which is largely separated from northern Senegal by the country of The Gambia.
The design of this Maternity Center in southern Senegal is focused on creating a safe, comfortable, and accessible space where women can receive essential medical care during pregnancy and childbirth. By incorporating these key considerations, the center can effectively meet the community’s needs and help improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
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Bahareque is a construction technique that uses a wooden or bamboo framework infilled with materials such as mud, clay, straw, or similar mixtures. This method is known for being cost-effective and for using locally sourced materials. The system is based on a wood or bamboo lattice that functions as the building’s structural skeleton. These frames are set in a vertical position, creating a stable structure capable of supporting the weight of the rest of the construction. The gaps between the frames are filled with a mixture of mud, clay, straw, dried leaves, or even recycled materials. It is a sustainable form of construction, as it minimizes the use of industrial resources and reduces the carbon footprint. The use of natural materials helps bahareque buildings remain cool in warm climates and retain heat in colder climates. Overall, bahareque is a traditional, economical, and sustainable construction system that relies on local materials to create solid, adaptable structures. With proper maintenance, it can be a durable option with good seismic resistance.
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